Eastbound Interstate 70 reopened about 8 p.m. tonight after a tanker truck rollover shut down both directions, but westbound lanes are stopped at Empire.

At 11 p.m. authorities said westbound I-70 would remain closed most of the night.

A tanker headed west and carrying methanol rolled over around 6:20 p.m. Authorities worried about an inhalation hazard shut down the highway.

Hazmat crews are on the scene to unload the tanker, according to Ted Hill, traveler information specialist with the Colorado Department of Transportation.

For now, CDOT recommends the following lengthy alternate routes: US 40 to CO 9 (Winter Park to Kremmling) or US 285 to CO 9 (Fairplay to Frisco).

Methanol, also called “wood alcohol,” is a clear, flammable liquid used in a number of chemical products including fuel additive MTBE and in fuel cell technology, according to industry group the Methanol Institute.

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